Lesson Plan

Hands Off Lesson Plan

Help the student understand why we keep hands out of pants and learn respectful alternatives; by the end, the student will identify at least one trigger, name two alternative behaviors, and demonstrate placing hands on lap when cued.

Putting hands in pants can distract the learner and make peers uncomfortable. This lesson builds self‐awareness, respectful behaviors, and supports social expectations in class.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

5 minutes

Step 2

Read Social Story

10 minutes

Step 3

Identify Feelings and Triggers

5 minutes

Step 4

Practice Alternative Behaviors

5 minutes

Step 5

Review and Takeaway

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Hands Off, Helping Hands

Welcome the student with a smile. Explain that today’s lesson is called “Hands Off, Helping Hands.”

Today’s Goals

Read the objectives aloud. Point to each goal as you speak.

How Are You Feeling?

Show the [Feelings Thermometer Chart](#feelings-thermometer-chart). Ask the student to point to how they feel today.

Meet Sam

Introduce Sam. Mention that Sam sometimes puts his hands in his pants and will teach us why we choose not to.

Why Keep Hands Off?

Discuss why Sam’s behavior might distract him or make others uncomfortable.

Sam’s Feelings

Connect Sam’s story to emotions. Ask: “How do you think Sam feels when he wants to put his hands in his pants?”

Your Triggers

Invite the student to think about their own triggers. Provide a sticker to mark on the chart.

Respectful Alternatives

Show the [Visual Cue Cards: Hands Off and Hands Down](#visual-cue-cards-hands-off). Describe each alternative behavior.

Let’s Practice

Role-play with cues. Give the “Hands Off” card and prompt the student to place hands on lap or hold toy.

Great Job!

Summarize the lesson and let the student choose a cue card to keep. Offer specific praise.

Lesson Plan

Hands Off Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

Step 2

Read Social Story

Step 3

Identify Feelings and Triggers

Step 4

Practice Alternative Behaviors

Step 5

Review and Takeaway

Slide Deck

Hands Off, Helping Hands

Today’s Goals

How Are You Feeling?

Meet Sam

Why Keep Hands Off?

Sam’s Feelings

Your Triggers

Respectful Alternatives

Let’s Practice

Great Job!

Activity

Reading

Activity

Hands Off, Helping Hands

Marah